How To Approach a Job Fair

PREPARATION BEFORE THE FAIR:

• Prepare several copies of your resume
• Research companies ahead of time
• Explore career opportunities as they relate to your major
• Create a list of appropriate questions to ask employers
• Review and organize materials in a portfolio/briefcase/notebook
• Make sure you have appropriate clothes to wear. Click here to view dress.

THE JOB FAIR BOOK/DIRECTORY:

BEFORE you begin to speak with employers, allow 15-20 minutes to:
• Review the confirmed employers and floor plan
• Determine which organizations are seeking your major and skill sets.
• Develop a priority system to determine which employers you are interested in speaking with (MUST SEE, WOULD LIKE TO SEE, IF TIME PERMITS)

PROMOTING YOURSELF:

Develop a 30 Second Commercial to introduce and promote yourself to the employer. This commercial should introduce YOU to the employer and give him/her an understanding of who you are, what skills you have to offer and why you are suitable for employment with his/her company. Below are topics you can use in your introduction:

Special Skills
Mention any skills that would make you stand out.Strengths
Choose three or four strengths to highlight. Give examplesEducation
Discuss your major, relevancy to company, and graduation dateWork Experience
Talk about your related work experience.Closing Statement
State one solid reason why you are a good fit.

How to Pitch Your Commercial: ♦ Emphasis on key words
♦ Slow down when making a key point
♦ Smile when you give the pitch
♦ Demonstrate enthusiasm
♦ Practice, practice, practice!

Example “Hello. I am Marcus James, a senior at Salisbury University, majoring in CMAT Mass Media. I have completed two internships with Telecom Corporation and Com-Tele Corporation while maintaining a 3.5 grade point average. I was also president of the Telecommunications Association and an active member of the National Leadership Council. I visited your company’s website and have reviewed your company’s profile. I am very interested in job opportunities with you—particularly entry-level openings working on your Millennium Project. I’d love to hear your assessment of my skills and work experience and where you feel I would be a good fit within your company.”

WHO STANDS OUT IN A CROWD AND WHY?

Those Who Have:Communication Skills
One who has the ability to exhibit their strong communication skills and articulate their career goalsStrong Resume
Possessing a flawless resume that clearly reflects your skillset, accomplishments and potential. Knowledgeable about Company/Industry
Familiarize yourself with the company. Understand their mission, present performance and new developments/initiatives.Professional Attire
Your professional image is very important in your career search. A polished confident appearance helps introduce you as focused and qualified.Personality
Ask thought-provoking questions to show your interest and enthusiasm for the company. Let your personality shine through!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

Dress Professionally-Click here to view professional attire for a job fair.

Demonstrate patience! The lines might be daunting but don't fail to maximize this opportunity. Talk to every company that fits your experience and ambitions. If you meet with 20 recruiters, at the end of the day you will have 20 new contacts!

Firm Handshake • Extend your hand, say "hello" and state your name
• Hold the handshake for 2 to 3 seconds making a slight up and down pumping motion
• Smile and make eye contact as you shake hands

SPEAKING WITH EMPLOYERS:

Be Professional Be professional and courteous at all times. Avoid distracting mannerisms (flipping hair, rolling eyes, distasteful facial expressions, etc.) . Be assertive (not aggressive) with employers. Show energy and enthusiasm!

Take Notes The representative at the fair may not be able to answer all of your questions or know specifics about your job interests. Ask for names, telephone numbers, etc. of other staff in the organization whom you can contact later. Be sure to record follow up steps and keep points discussed in your conversation.

Request Business Cards Provides you a direct contact with the organization, including the proper spelling of the representative’s name, direct phone line, etc. You can send a brief thank-you note (or email) acknowledging the information they provided and thanking them for their time. You can follow-up regarding the status of your application.

Expectations Little to no job offers are made at fairs. Keep in mind that the career fair is an opportunity for employers to meet and assess candidates for future employment.

Respecting Employer’ Give-a-Ways Always check with employers before taking materials from their tables.

Be Courteous In addition to representing yourself, you are also representing your university. Make a good impression.

Be Brief Demonstrate sensitivity to other students waiting to speak with employers by keeping your questions brief and offering to continue your conversation at a later time.

Close the Conversation Thank the employer for his/her time. Tell him/her that you look forward to speaking with him/her soon! Be sure to ask questions that will help you in the follow-up process. Request a business card.

FOLLOW-UP:

After theFair • Take a few moments after speaking with employers to jot down notes about your conversation.
• Be sure to have a business card or contact information from each employer that you spoke with at the fair.

Follow-up with a thank you note or email that shows employers you are serious, professional and enthusiastic about the position.
♦ Thank the employer for their time.
♦ Mention the name of the fair where you met.
♦ Reiterate your strengths and interest in the company. Refer to the notes you took about your conversation.
♦ Ask for an interview.

Example Thank You Note:
February 16, 20XX

Dear Mr. Moon:

Thank you for speaking with me at the Salisbury Universities' Career Fair held at Salisbury University on February 15, 20XX. I found our conversation about the opportunities at the National Security Agency quite interesting and informative.

Thank you for sending me an application for employment with your agency with the letter stating that I had passed the Professional Qualification Test held last fall. I am still very interested in a position as a Database Administrator with your agency.

I would be very excited to have an opportunity for a personal interview to further discuss my qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you. You may contact me at (410) 555-1212 or XXXXXCCCC@gmail.com.